Gone Girl: A Novel

Product Details

Marriage can be a real killer. One of the most critically acclaimed suspense writers of our time, New York Times bestseller Gillian Flynn takes that statement to its darkest place in this unputdownable masterpiece about a marriage gone terribly, terribly wrong. The Chicago Tribune proclaimed that her work “draws you in and keeps you reading with the force of a pure but nasty addiction.” Gone Girl’s toxic mix of sharp-edged wit and deliciously chilling prose creates a nerve-fraying thriller that confounds you at every turn. On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer? As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet? With her razor-sharp writing and trademark psychological insight, Gillian Flynn delivers a fast-paced, devilishly dark, and ingeniously plotted thriller that confirms her status as one of the hottest writers around.

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Reviews

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Lorraine from
Dark and twistyI didn't see the ending coming. If you're in the mood for a dark read, this may fit the bill.

Date published: 2015-04-12

Rated 4 out of
5 by
robyn from
Really ImpressedI felt compelled to purchase this book after seeing the film in theatres, the characters were fascinating and I wanted to get inside their heads. I'm confused as to the negative reviews. What I'll say is this: Gone Girl is not a cheap thrill, it's thorough and every scene is described with painstaking detail.
The plot is dark in and of itself, but the style of writing is even darker. Gone Girl presents a very cynical view of human nature and society, with piercing commentary on everything from crime journalism to hipster glasses.
Most of the people who gave this book a bad review did so because they didn't like the characters, and I think those people missed the point. Both Nick and Amy were written to be relatable but unlikeable, they represent the worst in everyone, and the irony is that they're obsessed with their reputations. Furthermore, the goal of the book is to disturb people, not necessarily to shock them. The fact that you know what's coming is what builds the intensity.
Bottom line: this book will not tug on your heartstrings, but after what it'll do your brain you'll be glad it left your other organs alone.

Date published: 2015-03-14

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Lane18 from
Loved it!Took a long time to get into, but once you do, the story is great. Very intriguing and good suspense / thriller without being too haunting. I thoroughly enjoyed the character depth.

Date published: 2015-02-23

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Samreen from
I won't say this book has a WOW factor...,I won't say this book has a WOW factor...the first few chapters were dragging...infact it was pretty boring till part two of the book started where the actual life of Amy started after her escape. Then it became interesting. All I could say...I feel sorry for Nick Dunne. His wife was one psychopath bitch...I'm not sure what exactly would a husband do if he had this wife in real life...still...I'm surprised that these kind of twisted mindsets are part of our society. A good read for mystery lovers.

Date published: 2015-02-18

Rated 1 out of
5 by
Burtine_Kendall from
Not my cup of tea.I did not enjoy this book and did not get past the first few chapters.

Date published: 2015-02-09

Rated 1 out of
5 by
Melissa from
Why is this a hit?weird way of writing, feels like a teenager diary all through the book. The characters are unlikable and the story is unbelievable and does not make any sense at all. I don't understand why this is a best seller and don't understand how this book was put into a movie. It make no sense to me. We will have to see with the movie if it is worst than the book...

Date published: 2015-01-21

Rated 1 out of
5 by
Melissa from
I can't understand why this is a big hitI was painful to read it to the end. The characters are unlikable and unbelievable. The style of the author is really hard to enjoy. It feels like you are reading a young teenager diary, no structure, really poor writing, so simple yet not enjoyable. I don't understand why is it a hit and how come it was possible to put this in a movie. Not really thrill to see the movie... we will have to see.

Date published: 2015-01-21

Rated 3 out of
5 by
melii90 from
Good Thriller !I bought this book hoping it would be much better then it was. I think I had to much of a high expectation for this book. It was good and easy to read but I find it was very slow.. It was missing the punch and the fast paced aspect. I watched the movie and enjoyed it better then the book. I was not expecting the twist and turn but apart from that the book was good but nothing exceptional. The characters are not that well developed and not very likable honestly, there is something missing from this book. The plot and story is well thought and very interesting but could have been written in a more thrilling way. The book did not keep my attention I found myself taking time to read this book and not having the feeling that I need to finish it right away, I just wanted to finish it to read another one. Not what I expected but if you are looking for a good thriller nothing more then this is for you if you are looking for something more don't bother.

Date published: 2015-01-17

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Cristina from
Loved It!This book is now a favorite of mine. I couldn't put it down.

Date published: 2014-12-20

Rated 1 out of
5 by
Book_Addict from
Not a Thriller FanI am not a big fan of Thriller novels. I prefer Mystery novels. I was given the book by a friend. I found it a struggle to read until about the halfway mark. Then I became determined to read it all the way to the end, just to see what the plot twists would reveal. I was totally disappointed with the ending. If you are not a fan of Thriller novels, I would chose a different book to read.

Date published: 2014-12-17

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Barbara_Jones_Warrick from
This mind game is quite the ride.Better than the movie (but see it too). A psychological thriller that you'll find hard to put down. This mind game is quite the ride.

Date published: 2014-12-16

Rated 3 out of
5 by
emj57 from
UndecidedFirst of all I do not enjoy books written in this manner when one chapter is one person and the next chapter is another and so on. I tend to read a couple of Nick's chapters and then go back and read a few of Amy's. But this almost turns me away from the book.
This book took a while to actually get my attention and then when it did it was a really good book. Strange for sure. Weird but good. I can only give it a 3 because of the style it was written in and the fact that it took a while to get going..
They really need an undecided about recommending the product but I think I could with caution.

Date published: 2014-11-29

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Moosie from
Good readGood book but was a little disappointed with the ending.

Date published: 2014-11-28

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Flamingo from
Very GoodI really enjoyed this book... looking forward to the movie...Gillian is a great writer and her books keep you interested until the end...I now own 3 of her books...Gone Girl, Sharp Edges and Dark Places....Not disappointed with any of them.

Date published: 2014-11-24

Rated 5 out of
5 by
sunnysideofthemoon from
i admire this novel!!omg where can i start- bought this book on friday and couldn't stop reading. Amy, Amy, Amy i wanted to love her and sympathize with her but i couldn't she was too much of a victim(she played that role well) this leaves me wondering do we ever know someone 100%. Is love that controlling? that manipulative? that demanding? overall this is a great book for people seeking a thrill, people who enjoy crime documentaries (i.e dateline, 24 hour mystery etc) i give this book a full go ahead you have to buy

Date published: 2014-11-20

Rated 5 out of
5 by
sunnysideofthemoon from
i admire this novel!!omg where can i start- bought this book on friday and couldn't stop reading. Amy, Amy, Amy i wanted to love her and sympathize with her but i couldn't she was too much of a victim(she played that role well) this leaves me wondering do we ever know someone 100%. Is love that controlling? that manipulative? that demanding? overall this is a great book for people seeking a thrill, people who enjoy crime documentaries (i.e dateline, 24 hour mystery etc) i give this book a full go ahead you have to buy

Date published: 2014-11-20

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Chihoe_Ho from
Run for it"Gone Girl" was nothing like I thought it would be. Instead of a fast-paced, page-turning thriller, what I got from it was a slow-burning suspense that focuses on the long game. It builds to momentous scenes that serve as water breaks to quench a dying thirst in a marathon, and those much needed gulps in turn propel one forward with the race.
This well thought out storyline provides more than the usual thrilling ride. "Gone Girl" wasn't as commercial as I thought it was going to read, and this is to Gillian Flynn's splendid craft. It was smart, fluid, and disturbing to say the very least. Although The Twist was predictable a mile away, it still held gravitas due to the way Flynn had structured her novel. The alternating sides of Nick and Amy gave insight to the deep psychosis of both parties, which made it merrier in the sickest sense to read. I was ready to write "Gone Girl" off after The Twist based off what I've heard from others (besides a big twist usually causes more harm than not) but the narrative held its own and kept surprising. This is really all I need from a thriller with heaps of praise.
"Gone Girl" is also the perfect example of how the strength of a story can compensate for how utterly dislikeable the lead characters are. This is not one of those cases where these people are unlikeable because they are too vulnerable or too damaged; Nick and Amy are just horrible unreliable narrators with no redeeming qualities. And this all plays well into Flynn's scheme of things - hate the players with good reason but you'll find yourself in a losing battle when you try to hate on the game.
I was more than a hundred pages away from finishing the novel when I saw the movie adaptation with the screenplay by Flynn herself. It's such a faithful adaptation, so faithful that I actually recognized direct lines and little details from the book. While some scenes were added or minor characters merged into stronger supporting ones, the core of "Gone Girl" is intact and I'm glad Flynn didn't think it necessary to "fix" any part of it. Why should she? "Gone Girl" is a tremendously layered novel, a literary success that has ignited a new wave of female-centric psychological thrillers. Gillian Flynn has much to be proud about.

Date published: 2014-11-05

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Worth ReadingIt was a good book and was a page turner. However, the characters are sooo screwed up and some of the descriptions are so odd, it really makes you think about who the heck wrote this book. Good, but not great.

Date published: 2014-11-04

Rated 5 out of
5 by
JonK from
Amazing!It took me less than a week to read this book, which says a lot as I'm not a big reader. The first half of the book was a little slow, but around the middle I got hooked and couldn't put it down. There were so many unpredictable plot twists and it was hard to tell what would happen next!
I'm a 20 year old guy, and surprisingly found this book very enjoyable to read, very twisted in parts but a great book in the end.

Date published: 2014-10-30

Rated 4 out of
5 by
rebecca_wall from
Spellbound and wondering!The writing style is excellent and immediately grabs you with its clarity and descriptiveness. I kept wondering about the two main characters; were they really for real? Then the twist begins making them, but especially Amy, increasingly believable and even frightening. A total turn of a psychopathic mind that leaves you wondering how will Amy and Nick ever survive their pretending and Amy's control. The pregnancy I found a bit of a stretch via Nick's donation but the fact that a baby is coming is scary for the child. The ending leaves you wondering what did I just read? A sequel would be great! So glad to read it before seeing the movie.

Date published: 2014-10-27

Rated 1 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Disappointing!I wasn't enjoying it after ~100 pages but kept reading to find out the ending. I wish I didn't bother. The 'plot twists' I'd read about in reviews were predictable and the ending wasn't good.

Date published: 2014-10-20

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Tikichat from
Well written!This book had me hooked on the first page. It is well written. The plot line is one that is not predictable. If you want a book where you can enjoy the story being revealed as read, then I recommend this book.

Date published: 2014-10-20

Rated 4 out of
5 by
chongk from
Plot Twists!And that's why I liked it.

Date published: 2014-10-08

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Great page turnerReally enjoyable page turner with some great twists. Highly recommended!

Date published: 2014-10-07

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Michele from
Enjoyable fast paced readI enjoyed the book, it was engaging and fast moving, looking forward to the movie.

Date published: 2014-10-05

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Bobby_Karmakar from
Twisted Thriller!Two characters, husband and wife of five years, with major flaws: whose side do you pick to cheer on? I for one am on a team but won?t reveal anything for the risk of spoiling everything. Literally, everything! Anything revealed in this book is a spoiler but kept pushing me to find out more. This book just keeps getting stickier, and messier, and dirtier through each twist and turn. Every time you put your bookmark to pause, something keeps being revealed within every scene change, up until the ending, which even I want to know what happens after that.

Date published: 2014-10-05

Rated 5 out of
5 by
CHova83 from
Great book. Can't wait for the movie!I saw the trailer for the movie and instantly thought that it would be a movie worth seeing. Then I saw the book and decided to give it a read first. Unlike other readers, I did not expect the story to take the turn that it did, and was pleasantly surprised with the character development. I am even more excited to see the movie now, anxious to see how close to the book the movie will play. Definitely worth the read.

Date published: 2014-10-02

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Amber from
Loved it!Absolutely loved this book! Can't wait to see the movie! It's a book that has you guessing how it's gonna end!

Date published: 2014-10-02

Rated 1 out of
5 by
Erica from
Lacklustre writingI strongly disliked the writer's style, I found it amateurish and mildly annoying. Halfway through the book I looked her up and was shocked to find that this wasn't her first novel. The beginning is slow, the "twists" are predictable, and the characters are not enjoyable. The story itself is okay, which is why I feel like the movie might actually be better than the book. I think it was the writing that ruined the telling of the story for me. Definitely not worth the hype.

Date published: 2014-10-01

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Marissa_Biebert from
Clear your weekendI finished this book in approximately 36 hours, even with a full time job, husband, and other regular 'duties' of life. You literally cannot stop reading because you must know what happens, and how it ends. Also, the way Gillian Flynn crafts her chapters and character voices, passing one off for the next at the most intense moments, keeps you turning the pages.
I withheld the fifth star for a few reasons: I guessed how this story would play out. I guessed it before I cracked the cover; I guessed it when I saw a sneak peek of the movie trailer. For me, personally, that part was not difficult so although some wind came out of my sails at the revelation that I was, in fact, correct, what was so enthralling was the outrageous cleverness of the story and its protagonists; the way Gillian Flynn writes--and captures--human nature and relationships alone was something else that kept me hanging on. It is dark, yes. The characters most of the time are unlikeable, but really, how she keeps us rooting for them is mirroring how they treat each other. Definitely messes with your head but it is an absolutely sensational, fast read! Must agree though with a few others that the ending was disappointing, but not altogether unexpected.

Date published: 2014-09-24

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Natalie_H from
Disturbing and Clever.Bought this book on the suggestion of a friend. I was skeptical because I had just finished an amazing series and so I was in withdrawal. This is EXACTLY what I needed. Could not put it down, read it very quickly because I HAD to know how it all ended. Great Thriller!!! Not the book for someone looking to connect to the main characters, they are both messed up! LOL

Date published: 2014-09-10

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Kristy_Collicutt from
A Masterpiece if I ever read oneWow, what an adventure that was. This author is extremely wity and knows how to tell a good story. For anyone, regardless if you enjoy mystery/crime novels, I highly recommend this one. There is so many plot twists, literally every 30 pages or so and you never see them coming. Everything you believe is real only makes you feel that much more gullible as you keep reading. A literary masterpiece in my opinion. I have yet to come across a book I have so throughly enjoyed.
The people sound like people who live in your house next door. I love the seperate view-points and all the effect it adds to pulling the reader into the story with them, breathing it, living it.
A great portrayal of what it is like to be in a marriage - both sides. Stable and Unstable ones.
I am recommending this to all my friends.

Date published: 2014-09-09

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Janabell from
Excellent read.Enjoying this book very much. Just part way thru but the writing is sharp and crisp. Maybe a few too many asides in brackets but I feel as tho I'm getting to know the characters and they are becoming real people. Look forward to my reading time every evening.

Date published: 2014-09-03

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Jeannette from
OMG! Forget the movie!READ THIS BOOK.
I loved this author's style so much I bought her other books!

Date published: 2014-08-18

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Meaghan_Smith from
AmazingWTF? This is how I felt while I read the majority of this book. It took me a bit of time to get into it because of the writing style but once I did I had a difficult time putting this book down. I was even up until 2am a few times reading this book. This book is about Nick and Amy, a married couple. One day, Amy goes missing and Nick becomes the prime suspect. I do not want to give too much away but I will say there are some twists and not all is as it seems.
While the book is a bit like a murder mystery it is not super high on action. It is mostly character driven. Flynn is a master of words and while it takes a bit of time to really get into her writing style, once you do you appreciate it so much. It makes you feel as if you are right there with all the characters. She also weaves different story lines together quite well. While you read one thing and it may not seem all that significant, about a hundred pages later it ends up being a pivotal part of the story.
I have to say though that the ending of the book was a bit depressing. I found that I questioned whether Nick was doing the right thing or not.
I don't have a lot to say because I really don't want to give too much away but I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to anyone. Overall, I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. Excellent writing and an excellent story.

Date published: 2014-08-11

Rated 4 out of
5 by
patch16 from
great summer readLots of twist

Date published: 2014-07-29

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Laura from
Disturbing - but can't put it downThis book got so much hype so I was really curious to see what the fuss is all about.
Overall, the writing is good and it keeps you guessing until the last page.
Gillian Flynn really have a way to keep you interested to the end.
The story is a bit unbelievable at times, but not impossible .
However, I don't like the ending, I was rooting for justice, I guess.
Although I must say it is the most logical ending given the characters and storyline.
It's just so sad that the story could be a reality for many.
Wonder how this translate in the movie..

Date published: 2014-07-22

Rated 4 out of
5 by
QDRs from
Gripping, Rivetting and ShockingThis book sucks the reader into Nick and Amy?s toxic game and the suspense makes it difficult to put down. Just when you think you ?get it?, you find out that you don?t, not really. The narrative goes back and forth from Amy?s oh-so-happy diary entries to Nick?s evasiveness. But what is true and what is lies?
The suspense of it all leaves one in a constant state of guessing ? right up until the bitter end...
Each character has endearing and repulsive qualities to their personality and you never find yourself truly liking or hating any one character. The author has much to say about the media frenzy, the cultural messages that women are subjected to, and the biases we harbor after watching too much crime television.
A haunting story that will confuse you, sadden you, sicken you, surprise you, and gravely entertain you in the process. Just when you think you've figured out where the plot is heading, you'll find yourself curiously guessing again.

Date published: 2014-07-16

Rated 5 out of
5 by
CharlieD from
Disturbing but grippingWell worth the read, a disturbing look behind the scenes of a relationship that is "perfectly normal" until you meet the people on the inside. Couldn't put this one down, no regrets giving in to the hype and purchasing this one!

Date published: 2014-05-26

Rated 5 out of
5 by
rayray from
Fantastic!This is the first Gillian Flynn book I have read and I was blown away. The beginning is set up like a diary and I found it a bit hard to get into however once the middle hit I could not put it down. Everyone I have recommended it to has also really enjoyed it. Definitely worth a read!

Date published: 2014-04-23

Rated 5 out of
5 by
bbllpp from
Best novel everThis is easily one of the best novels I have ever read. I read the whole thing in less than 48hours (and I have a full time job) because I could not put it down to go to sleep, I was so curious what was going to happen next. It's smartly written, and I was so impressed, I ordered two other novels by the author! I'm excited to check those out next. Definitely pick this book up!

Date published: 2014-04-16

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Amanda_Sealey from
Interesting but a bit unbelievableI felt for the main character, and the book was not predicable, but bordered on a bit unbelievable. The writing was good and I liked most of the characters, liked the way the story unfolded and I didn't see what was coming at all. 4 of 5 - enjoyed but not blown away, would probably buy another book by this author.

Date published: 2014-04-08

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Josh125 from
Could not put it downWas a little skeptical when I bought the book that it would not be that great, but once I got into it could not put the book down, I thought it was really well put together the way you could read what each person was going through their mind as it was happening. Good read, I recommend this

Date published: 2014-01-06

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Marg_McConnell from
Good read!This is not the kind of book I usually read but I have to admit I really enjoyed it! I keep wondering what happened………………..?? ( I only read it because some members in my book club recommended it.)

Date published: 2013-12-23

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Mpeters from
Good Read. Lacklustre Ending.I enjoyed most of the novel but was thoroughly frustrated with the ending which was lacklustre and anticlimactic. It left me very dissatisfied with the novel and perturbed by the slow paced and yet rushed ending.

Date published: 2013-11-27

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Carmac from
Wow!The first bit dragged a bit, but boy did directions change later. This author is meticulous in her unexpected turns in her stories (I've now read three of hers). This is not rose-coloured-glasses life. Flynn does not cringe at 'what we hope not to be'. A substantial author. Engrossing books.

Date published: 2013-08-22

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Reader1 from
mind twisted read...some messed up charactersthe plot is filled with twists and mind boggling plot lines. honestly i have never read a book with a story line and characters like this. 2 words- messed up. mass manipulation (i could not stress mass anymore), sex, murder, blood, trickery, violence, mystery, missing wife, adultery, affair, attempt murder, running away, whodunnit (and are you sure he or she did it?), mind manipulation, criminal activity, etc this book has it all. you will be completely surprised on what actually happened and the end of the book. all i have to say is whaaat? that's insane. to be brtually honest i almost gave up on this book 3x. it DOES NOT pick up until part 2 which is literally almost 200 pgs in. but once you get to part 2 you will be flying through the pages just to know what will happen. read it! definitely filled with twist and mind manipulation for the reader and the protagonist/ antagonist. you will know what i mean after you read it.

Date published: 2013-08-15

Rated 2 out of
5 by
Geraldine_Zephirin from
Below expectationsIt was not a page-turner for me. Glad I bought it as an eBook instead of a hardcover.

Date published: 2013-07-15

Rated 5 out of
5 by
EmGS from
Gillian, you sneaky sneaky girl!This book was brilliant. Gillian Flynn writes with SO MUCH depth and care. You can tell the hours of editing and careful composure went into this book. Just as you think you have figured out the twist, she throws you in a completely unexpected direction. And then does it again! Submit to the mind-trip of this book and you will not regret the read!

Date published: 2013-06-28

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Carmac from
Lots of twists!Found this slow in the first section then a major plot twist changed the tone. Author engineered intricate details of psychological games between Amy and Nick, amazing but often iffy. No fairy tale ending but maybe appropriate for characters hopefully not based on anyone real.

Date published: 2013-06-11

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Allison from
Psychological chess gameAt the risk of sounding cliched this book was a spine tingling page turner that kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when you think you know what's going to happen next Gillian Flynn turns that on its ear. What starts out as a simple mystery turns into a psychological chess game.

Date published: 2013-05-24

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Tracey_F from
I'm torn :-)I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was very engaging and the writing kept you wanting to read one more chapter before putting it down. Loved the twists and turns and "didn't see that coming" moments. The author brilliantly leads you along with the information presented. I loved the different storylines and that they were brilliantly intertwined. I really really enjoyed the book BUT was left with a bad feeling at the end so that's what makes this book a 4* as oppposed to a 5*. I felt let down at the end of it all.

Date published: 2013-05-16

Rated 4 out of
5 by
E._Guest from
Eight BookcasesCheck out my review of Flynn's work on my blog at: http://8bookcases.blogspot.ca/2013/03/gone-girl-by-gillian-flynn.html

Date published: 2013-03-30

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Cora_Miller from
Good BookI thoroughly enjoyed Gone Girl. There are very few times when I pick up a book that I become so engrossed I cannot put it down. It was very clever and very well written. Of course I didn't care for the ending but I think that's just human nature. Don't we all like to see the "bad people" caught and punished. Also it was a little far fetched that anyone would allow themselves to end up in Nick's position. It is also human nature to strike back and not concede defeat.

Date published: 2013-03-25

Rated 1 out of
5 by
Marisa_Cassar from
Would not recommendThis book was predictable and the ending was nothing less than disappointing. A group of us read this book and discussed it as we read and once we were done, and we all agreed that this book was not as wonderful as it had been made out to be. Certainly would not be on my list of books that I would recommend.

Date published: 2013-03-19

Rated 3 out of
5 by
ChrisM from
marriage gone wrong...That I read Gone Girl so soon after finishing Dark Places is a tribute to Gillian Flynn’s talent. With so many books on my tbr shelf, I don’t generally read books by the same author back-to-back. Gone Girl had a few extra things going for it, though. Virtually everyone has been talking about it and I just couldn’t resist its lure any longer. Nick Dunne and Amy Elliott Dunne are just about to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary when Amy goes missing. There are signs of a struggle in their rented Missouri home and Nick can’t really account for his whereabouts that morning, so it doesn’t take too long for the police to start treating him like the prime suspect. Flynn uses a dual narrative approach to tell the story of their courtship and life in New York where Nick was a magazine writer and Amy wrote quizzes for a variety of publications. Life was pretty good for them. They were beautiful, smart and rich. Well, Amy was rich because her parents – Rand and Mary Beth – had written a series of books called Amazing Amy which had, until recently, been a bit of a cash cow. Then Nick and Amy’s fortunes take a turn for the worse and suddenly they find themselves back in Nick’s hometown. From the start we know that the golden lives of these two protagonists is slightly tarnished. On the morning of the anniversary, Nick’s reaction to his wife’s greeting of “Well, hello, handsome” is one of “bile and dread” inching up his throat. Then: Amy’s missing. Gone Girl is a supremely entertaining game of cat and mouse. Their married lives had been marked with anniversary treasure hunts and this year is no different. Amy has left the first in a series of clues for her husband. The clues, and the letters which accompany them, seem to indicate Amy’s awareness of her husband’s unhappiness and her own part in it. But Amy wants to patch things up. The treasure hunt also seems to point to Nick as the person responsible for Amy’s disappearance and slowly the media, Amy’s parents and even his twin sister, Go, start to regard him with suspicion. But there is more to Gone Girl than a suspenseful mystery. There’s actually quite a damning indictment of the fakery of relationships; the potential for infidelity, boredom, entitlement. We want the fairy tale until we don’t. Marriage is hard work. Nick and Amy’s story is extreme, but recognizable nonetheless. Flynn is a terrific writer. I mean – gifted. She inhabits Nick’s brain as easily as she inhabits Amy’s. They are sympathetic and reprehensible and downright scary in equal measure. To say much more about the plot would be to spoil the novel’s twists. Suffice to say, this is one married couple I wouldn’t be inviting over for dinner any time soon!

Date published: 2013-01-20

Rated 2 out of
5 by
RPKos from
Bit of a letdownAfter seeing all the ads and reading excellent reviews, I was hoping for something astounding, but I didn't get it. The book was a page-turner initially, but in the second and third sections, I found it predictable. All the main characters are writers, as well, which I always find to be a copout and overdone. The ending was an anticlimax for me, but I can't say why because I don't want to spoil it it case you read it. Don't spend the money on the hardcover - get it at the library later...it can wait.

Date published: 2013-01-17

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Book_Genie from
Brilliant!Nick and Amy's relationship is sick and twisted - and youl love every minute of it. The manipulative, shrewd Amy has spent her charmed life pretending to be something she's not. The handsome, philandering Nick is riddled with insecurities and doubt. When his wife disappears he becomes the prime suspect and his life will never be the same. Gillian Flynn grabs you from the first page and you become completely absorbed in these characters. A gratifying read!

Date published: 2013-01-12

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Worthwhile_Reading from
Great thriller/suspense novelI had read many positive reviews of this book and decided to buy it in hardcover to see what the fuss was about. I was not disappointed. If you want a fairly quick read that keeps you very engaged to the point that you don't want put it down until it's finished...this is the book for you. On the edge of your seat thriller!

Date published: 2012-12-22

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Kendra_Bianco from
Amazing!This was one of my favourite books of 2012! Gripping and suspenseful the whole way through. Loved this book :)

Date published: 2012-12-11

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Jocelyn_Henderson from
Amazing!!!First book that EVER made my stomach drop!

Date published: 2012-12-06

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Tianna_Yaskow from
Great BookI really enjoyed this book. It was extremely well written. It had some mystery involved but in the end I think the book was more focused on developing the characters which I really enjoyed. I didn't expect the ending but staying true to the characters and the rest of the book I think it worked. It is definitely worth a read.

Date published: 2012-12-03

Rated 4 out of
5 by
boundbywords from
Pure psychological GENIUSI wish there was a way for me to reach inside myself and paste onto this post the actual emotions I felt while reading this book. There is no doubt in my mind that this is one of the most thrilling books I have read all year. This review will be solely my feelings on this book, to write any type of synopsis-based review will have me spoiling the whole thing, guaranteed. I first heard about Gillian Flynn through ChapterStackss on Youtube (check her out here), and was instantly intrigued by her admiration for the author and her work-I had to pick one of her books up. I had decided to read them in chronological order, but ended up getting my hands on Gone Girl first. Best.move.ever. Not that I'm doubting the greatness of her other works, I'm just ridiculously happy that I decided to read something by her, period. This book was outstanding, and written with tremendous thought and detail. I was in pieces with awe after each new development unfolded. This book had me speaking out loud the entire time-I kept saying "HA! How is she going to explain THAT one!"..and then she did, perfectly. I'll admit it: I tried, and failed miserably, to find holes in the plot, I really did-but Ms.Flynn had her detail down to an art, an absolute art. And those characters..my goodness. They were the type of characters that you just knew you should despise, loathe, want to condemn. But she knew it, Gillian knew we would do no such thing. The cleverness and the wit of them. The naivety and pathetic charm. I was instantly hooked, and I didn't want it to end. The conclusion of this book was the real mind blaster. I felt like I was reading the last few chapters while submerged underwater. I didn't want to believe what was happening, but it was happening, and I could either accept it for what it was, or give this book a horrible rating for it. I chose the former, for the simple reason that it was genius. Pure, horrible, insane, wonderful, intellectual, psychological..genius. I sat there, and once again spoke out loud to myself. This time with.."What..did I just read?.. I don't know if I can pick up Gillian's other 2 books fast enough. But I must, and I will. Bravo..just..BRAVO Gillian Flynn.

Date published: 2012-11-15

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Francine_Long from
INCREDIBLE, must read!I loved loved this book. It was a fantastic well written read, and I had to finish it before moving on with my life. I love the twist (although slightly predictable) it had, and felt very relatable to the character themselves. The story & characters felt very real. Reading the alternating thoughts/views of Nick/Amy on the different scenarios that overlap (for example how they felt about their anniversaries) was thrilling. It is also comical in places, when Amy describes what a 'cool girl' should be. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who thinks in depth about relationships between women and man. I am looking forward to more Gillian Flynn books. Wish I was starting this book again.

Date published: 2012-11-14

Rated 5 out of
5 by
MissLiss from
Amazing AmyBooks like this are why I READ! Literally could not put this book down. Extremely well written and near impossible to figure out. The author pulls and pushes you in a million different directions, I think you love and hate all the characters at different points throughout. I am hoping for a sequel!

Date published: 2012-10-10

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Lynnie_Mac from
Well written...This book had me hooked from the start, I loved the alternating chapters of Nick in real time and from Amy's diary from the previous 6 years. Some great reveals, and a quite "twisted" truth was very intriguing. The end did leave me wanting for more closure...I certainly would be interested to see what is happening in the story a year or two further in the future. It was written so well it made me want to read Ms. Flynn's previous two titles.

Date published: 2012-10-07

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Gwen_Fernandes from
Interesting Twist!I found this book to be very interesting. Definately a page turner. There were a very few parts that I found a little slow...but that was far and few between. The book over all was well written and the story line kept me intriuged. The ending was a little disappointing.

Date published: 2012-09-26

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Linda_Eden from
Gone Girl by Gillian FlynnI haven't read a book this page turning in so long! I couldn't put it down. Gillian Flynn pulls you into the main characters with such finesse. I felt I was right in their small Missouri town, living each twist and turn along the way. Incredible! Wonderful read. Thank you Gillian Flynn

Date published: 2012-09-25

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Arlene_Somerton_Smith from
Gone GirlWe hear the husband's side of the story first. Nick Dunne, out-of-work writer, spends his newfound leisure hours writing the story of his wife's disappearance. Then we hear from his wife. Amy Elliott Dunne, out-of-work writer, spends her newfound leisure hours telling her version of events, first in a diary and then in a tell-all truth spilling. Flynn alternates between the voices of Nick and Amy to unfold her elaborately plotted story of Amy's disappearance. Or, so it seems, anyway. It's a sign of the intricate plotting of this book that, even after you've finished it, you're not absolutely certain whose version of events you have read. It's a sign of the intricate plotting of this book that, even after you've finished it, you're not certain what is "truth" or "fiction" in the telling. It's a book that leaves you pondering delicious possibilities. You will find yourself turning back pages to see how Flynn managed to pull something off. You will want to re-read it to see how she did it. Flynn creates skillful mental images of her characters, making it easy to picture them and their surroundings. Nick, for example, "should cough out yellow Tweety Bird feathers when he smiles." His twin sister, Margo, has the "face of a '30s screwball-move queen" who would prompt a man from that period to "tilt back his fedora, whistle at the sight of her, and say, 'Now, there's a helluva broad!'" Flynn adopts the nickname "Go" for Nick's twin sister, and I never could settle into that name. I repeatedly mistook it for the verb. Other than that, this is an engaging book, well worth the read. When you've finished it, let me know what possibilities you ponder.

Date published: 2012-09-24

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Mandy0224 from
keeps you guessingI am not fond of mystery and suspense novels and after reading this book i am looking forward to more books in this genre. This book has kept me guessing at every chapter. The ending was very unexpected. I could not put the book down!

Date published: 2012-09-08

Rated 5 out of
5 by
TERESA_LICSKAI from
VERY well written!This book was reviewed in People magazine and I am so glad I wrote down the name and ordered it! It was excellent ~ although I am still in shock at the ending! I would love to see a sequel to see how the main characters are doing?!?!

Date published: 2012-09-05

Rated 3 out of
5 by
SM from
A good quick readI couldn't put the book down, it certainly kept my attention. I liked that it kept me on my toes and my feelings about the characters were constantly changing.

Date published: 2012-08-27

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Michele_(Just_a_Lil_Lost) from
Advice: Read it as it is, don't try to over-analyze it!Everyone has seen enough true-crime shows to know that the husband is almost always the prime suspect when their spouse disappears. So when Nick’s wife, Amy, goes missing on the day of their fifth anniversary, suspicion quickly surrounds the man who is acting erratically. As the investigation gets going, more and more evidence is unearthed to paint Nick in a not-so-great light. Despite all the bad press, Nick maintains his innocence but with a lack of proof, what is everyone supposed to believe? Beginning from the day she disappears, the narrative flips back and forth between Nick’s POV and Amy’s diary entries. I really enjoyed this storytelling style. It gave the reader just enough information to pique their interest and more would be revealed with the other side being told; a “he said/she said”, if you will. This allowed the reader to constantly keep changing their theories, what they think happened and what the motives were. Just when you might get a sense of the truth, the other account will completely contradict it. The more we got to find out about this Manhattan couple that’s been relocated to Missouri, the more I found my sympathies jumping back and forth between the two. Like they say, there are always two sides to every story. While I heard many things about this book - that it was crazy, filled with twists & turns and keeps you guessing till the shocking ending – I actually wasn’t familiar with what the actual premise was, and I was pleasantly surprised. I love a good crime mystery read and Flynn achieves this really well in Gone Girl. That being said, maybe I’ve seen too many Dateline episodes but I honestly guessed where it was going from about 1/3 of the way through… and boy was I mad at myself that I’d analyzed it so much that I figured it out so early on. The ending, while shocking, was also equally infuriating to me. I refused to accept that that was the end! So my advice? Don’t over-think this very twisted read and just enjoy the journey… take it as it’s being laid out for you and let the characters in the story solve the mystery for you. This, and other reviews can be found on my blog JustALilLost.com

Date published: 2012-08-14

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Andre_Cuillerier from
ExcellentExcellent read with plenty of plot twists that kept me guessing until the end. This book was impossible to put down. Gone Girl is one of the best books I've read this year. Highly recommend.

Date published: 2012-08-06

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Nicola_Mansfield from
Just OK, Not as Good as Other TwoReason for Reading: I loved Flynn's Dark Places and was excited to read another book by her. I was excited to read this as I had enjoyed Dark Places very much and have seen the reviews for this popping up all over the place; while not reading them, I was taking note of the 4 & 5 star ratings. I have to say I was a bit let down from my expectations. As I started reading Part One, I just really didn't find myself all that intrigued as I couldn't ge over how the events mimicked the Scott Peterson case item by item so of course I knew that meant the husband wasn't the killer because what kind of book would that be? So no suspense as everything was expected as it unraveled in Part One and I had thought of a few ideas as to what may be going on and was not shocked at the twist that came with Part Two. Basically, the whole plot of the thriller didn't *thrill* me. Now, I won't say I didn't enjoy it as I did once Part Two was under way, but I was underwhelmed. Secondly, the two main characters, both the husband and the wife, I found completely repulsive. I didn't like either of them as people and was unsatisfied with the ending. I connected with the sister, Go, but it just isn't that compelling to read a crime story about people you don't care for. So overall, while the plot had twists and kept me reading to find out how it all turned out in the end, I found this book to just be ok. PS - I've now read Sharp Objects and it is far better than this one.

Date published: 2012-08-05

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Crista from
Psycho killer ... qu'est que c'estDefinitely a twisty turn-y who-dun-it type of thriller. It found it more "put-down-able" than the media reviewers would have you believe. That said, it was still a quick read that kept my attention. The characters were almost completely unlikeable, but the writing style was very editorial and entertaining. A good summer read.

Date published: 2012-07-30

Rated 4 out of
5 by
hockeymom from
Couldn't put it down!!Love it , great twist and turns...but disappointing end.

Date published: 2012-07-23

Rated 1 out of
5 by
Linda_Vee from
Why is this book a ratings hit?I really didn't like Gone Girl. The characters are intensely unlikable and the plot "twists and turns" were not a surprise. On the plus side, the writing was sharp and the observations about relationships (to a point) and human nature were "bang-on." The ending was particularly disappointing.

Date published: 2012-07-21

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Johanne_St-Onge from
Great Summer ReadLoved this book! You can't put it down, it takes you in one direction then makes you do a complete 180. Have someone you know read it as well so you can discuss it as you go along!

Date published: 2012-07-09

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Luanne_Ollivier from
Spectacular debut!Well, last week I gave you a title I thought you should add to your must read suspense list this summer. I'm sorry, but you'll have to add Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes to the list as well - it's a remarkable debut novel and a fantastic edge of your seat read! The book's prologue opened with a court transcript that piqued my interest. Mr. Brightman is being questioned about his relationship with a Miss Bailey. Into the Darkest Corner is told from two time periods 2003 and 2007. It took me few pages to work out that the two time frames are told from the viewpoint of the same person - Catherine Bailey in 2003 and Cathy Bailey in 2007. In 2003, Catherine is a young, full of life woman who meets Lee, a bar doorman, one night. He seems like the perfect catch - attentive, good in bed, handsome, thoughtful and more. But, in 2007, Cathy is tormented by extreme anxiety, panic attacks and OCD. She can't stop checking her doors, windows and locks. What in the world happened between then and now? Maybe Lee wasn't quite the catch he seemed to be.....? Haynes employs a highly effective technique, unravelling the two stories in alternate chapters. The danger in 2003 is insidious, slowly building towards a climax, with the tension ratcheting up and up. I liken it to a scary movie at the theatre. I wanted to yell at Catherine 'NO, trust your instincts - get out of there!' In 2007 Cathy is struggling to cope with life when......... Into the Darkest Corner does deal with quite serious subjects. Haynes does an insightful job in depicting obsessive compulsive disorder and domestic violence. I never read other reader's reviews until after I'm finished my own. I was honestly surprised to find there were many readers who did not like the book. I myself found it to be a riveting psychological thriller that kept my interest until I turned the last page. (Actually I had a hard time not skipping to the end midway through just to see what happened) Into the Darkest Corner was Amazon UK's Best Book of the Year for 2011 and film rights have been sold. Recommended by this suspense reader.

Date published: 2012-06-27

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Luanne_Ollivier from
For fans of psychological thrillersWe've all read the stories in newspapers - a woman goes missing and the husband is the prime suspect. And he loudly proclaims his innocence....even as the evidence mounts.... Gillian Flynn put her own spin on this idea in her latest book - Gone Girl. It is the day of Nick and Amy's fifth anniversary. It is also the day Amy disappears. Left behind - the first cryptic clue in a treasure hunt Amy always sets up for Nick. The first part of Gone Girl is told in alternating chapters from Nick's present time viewpoint, with flashbacks to memories. Amy's voice is heard from the pages of a diary, starting from seven years ago and building up to the day she disappears. The narratives each tell a completely different story. Who is telling the truth? The second part - well, I'm not going to spoil the plot for you, so I'll stop there. I am a huge fan of psychological thrillers and with Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn has crafted one of the best I've ever read. Really. The plot line is completely unpredictable. It's rare for me to be completely surprised at the direction a book takes, but I was this time. Flynn toys with us in a completely delicious and devious manner. You'll want to read carefully - there are lies, secrets and omissions scattered throughout the book and each revelation ratchets up the stakes just a little higher. While Gone Girl is a razor edged thriller, Flynn also explores marriage, attraction, family relationships and the media with that same sharp edged eye. Flynn's prose are are arresting, painting vivid images that crackle with intensity. "....the girl a man like Nick wants: the Cool Girl. Men always say that as the defining compliment, don't they? She's a cool girl. Being the cool girl means I am a hot, brilliant, funny woman who adores football, poker, dirty jokes, and burping, who plays video games, drinks cheap beer, loves threesomes and anal sex, and jams hot dogs and hamburgers into her mouth like she's hosting the world's biggest culinary gang bang while somehow maintaining a size 2, because Cool Girls are above all hot. Hot and understanding. Cool Girls never get angry; they only smile in a chagrined, loving manner and let their men do whatever they want." This is the first book I've read by Flynn, although I have since picked up her second book Dark Places. I loved the dedication to her husband...."What can I say about a man who knows how I think and still sleeps next to me with the lights off?" The buzz you've been hearing about Gone Girl? All true and more. This is THE book to read this summer. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Just bleary eyed - 'cause you won't be able to put it down.

Date published: 2012-06-11

Rated 5 out of
5 by
lemonstargirl from
Pure GeniusVicious! The resentment and hatred that fills these pages is absolutely vicious! Shocking! Wonderful! The twists and turns and loop-de-loops; it blew my mind. This is a book I am definitely going to read over and over. Check out my blog for my full review: http://tubchairtimes.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/gone-girl-gillian-flynn.html

The following ISBNs are associated with this title:

About the Book

Flynn's toxic mix of sharp-edged wit with deliciously chilling prose creates a nerve-fraying thriller that confounds readers at every turn. When his wife disappears on their anniversary, Nick starts having cringe-worthy daydreams and becomes oddly evasive, eschewing his golden boy past.

Read from the Book

Chapter OneNick Dunnethe day of When I think of my wife, I always think of her head. The shape ofit, to begin with. The very first time I saw her, it was the back of thehead I saw, and there was something lovely about it, the angles of it.Like a shiny, hard corn kernel or a riverbed fossil. She had what theVictorians would call finely shaped head. You could imagine theskull quite easily. I’d know her head anywhere. And what’s inside it. I think of that too: her mind. Her brain, allthose coils, and her thoughts shuttling through those coils like fast,frantic centipedes. Like a child, I picture opening her skull, unspoolingher brain and sifting through it, trying to catch and pin downher thoughts. What are you thinking, Amy? The question I’ve askedmost often during our marriage, if not out loud, if not to the personwho could answer. I suppose these questions stormcloud over everymarriage: What are you thinking? How are you feeling? Who areyou? What have we done to each other? What will we do? My eyes flipped open at exactly six a.m. This was no avian flutteringof the lashes, no gentle blink toward consciousness. The awakeningwas mechanical. A spooky ventriloquist- dummy click of the lids:The world is black and then, showtime! 6- 0- 0 the clock said— in myface, first thing I saw. 6- 0- 0. It felt different. I rarely woke at such arounded time. I was a man of jagged risings: 8:43, 11:51, 9:26. Mylife was alarmless. At that exact moment, 6- 0- 0, the sun climbed over the skyline o

From the Publisher

Marriage can be a real killer. One of the most critically acclaimed suspense writers of our time, New York Times bestseller Gillian Flynn takes that statement to its darkest place in this unputdownable masterpiece about a marriage gone terribly, terribly wrong. The Chicago Tribune proclaimed that her work “draws you in and keeps you reading with the force of a pure but nasty addiction.” Gone Girl’s toxic mix of sharp-edged wit and deliciously chilling prose creates a nerve-fraying thriller that confounds you at every turn. On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer? As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet? With her razor-sharp writing and trademark psychological insight, Gillian Flynn delivers a fast-paced, devilishly dark, and ingeniously plotted thriller that confirms her status as one of the hottest writers around.

About the Author

GILLIAN FLYNN is the author of the runaway hit Gone Girl, an international sensation that has spent more than ninety-five weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Her work has been published in forty languages. Gone Girl is soon to be a major motion picture from Twentieth Century Fox. Flynn’s previous novels, Dark Places and Dagger Award winner Sharp Objects, were also New York Times bestsellers. A former writer and critic for Entertainment Weekly, she lives in Chicago with her husband and children.

Editorial Reviews

“Ice-pick-sharp… Spectacularly sneaky… Impressively cagey… Gone Girl is Ms. Flynn’s dazzling breakthrough. It is wily, mercurial, subtly layered and populated by characters so well imagined that they’re hard to part with — even if, as in Amy’s case, they are already departed. And if you have any doubts about whether Ms. Flynn measures up to Patricia Highsmith’s level of discreet malice, go back and look at the small details. Whatever you raced past on a first reading will look completely different the second time around.” —Janet Maslin, New York Times“An ingenious and viperish thriller… It’s going to make Gillian Flynn a star… The first half of Gone Girl is a nimble, caustic riff on our Nancy Grace culture and the way in which ''The butler did it'' has morphed into ''The husband did it.'' The second half is the real stunner, though. Now I really am going to shut up before I spoil what instantly shifts into a great, breathless read. Even as Gone Girl grows truly twisted and wild, it says smart things about how tenuous power relations are between men and women, and how often couples are at the mercy of forces beyond their control. As if that weren’t enough, Flynn has created a genuinely creepy villain you don't see coming. People love to talk about the banality of evil. You’re about to meet a maniac you could fall in love with.” —Jeff Giles, Entertainment Weekly“An irresistible summer thriller with a twisting plot worthy of Alfred Hitchcock. Burrowing deep into the murkiest cor

Bookclub Guide

A Reader’s Guide for Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

For additional features, visit www.gillian-flynn.com.

In order to provide reading groups with the most informed and thought-provoking questions possible, it is necessary to reveal important aspects of the plot of this novel. If you have not finished reading Gone Girl, we respectfully suggest that you wait before reviewing this guide.

Introduction Deceit, infidelity, suspicion . . . and that’s only the beginning. When Nick and Amy fall in love, they are the confident, handsome man and the beautiful, privileged young woman embracing in front of their Brooklyn Heights brownstone and sharing a laugh at the expense of less blissful couples. Eventually, their picture-perfect union falters: Amy grows weary of the “cool girl” image she’s portrayed; Nick gives rein to old impulses and easy lies. As with many marriages, friction works its way into everyday exchanges, and the glow of the honeymoon fades. But with Amy and Nick, that fracture takes a much darker turn.

In a story full of surprising twists, Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl tracks the course of a marriage gone spectacularly wrong. For the protagonists, it’s a psychological battle with everything at stake; for the reader, an excavation of human failings and incredible depths of betrayal . . . and a mystery whose resolution is every bit as troubling as its beginning.

Questions and Topics for Discussion 1. Do you like Nick or Amy? Did you find yourself picking a side? Do you think the author intends for us to like them? Why or why not?

2. Does the author intend for us to think of Nick or Amy as the stronger writer? Do you perceive one or the other as a stronger writer, based on their narration/journal entries? Why?

3. Do you think Amy and Nick both believe in their marriage at the outset?

4. Nick, ever conscious of the way he is being perceived, reflects on the images that people choose to portray in the world—constructed, sometimes plagiarized roles that we present as our personalities. Discuss the ways in which the characters—and their opinions of each other—are influenced by our culture’s avid consumption of TV shows, movies, and websites, and our need to fit each other into these roles.

5. Discuss Amy’s false diary, both as a narrative strategy by the author and as a device used by the character. How does the author use it to best effect? How does Amy use it?

6. What do you make of Nick’s seeming paranoia on the day of his fifth anniversary, when he wakes with a start and reports feeling, You have been seen?

7. As experienced consumers of true crime and tragedy, modern “audiences” tend to expect each crime to fit a specific mold: a story, a villain, a heroine. How does this phenomenon influence the way we judge news stories? Does it have an impact on the criminal justice system? Consider the example of the North Carthage police, and also Tanner Bolt’s ongoing advice to Nick.

8. What is Go’s role in the book? Why do you think the author wrote her as Nick’s twin? Is she a likable character?

9. Discuss Amy’s description of the enduring myth of the “cool girl”—and her conviction that a male counterpart (seemingly flawless to women) does not exist. Do you agree? Why does she assume the role if she seems to despise it? What benefit do you think she derives from the act?

10. Is there some truth to Amy’s description of the “dancing monkeys”—her friends’ hapless partners who are forced to make sacrifices and perform “sweet” gestures to prove their love? How is this a counterpoint to the “cool girl”?

11. What do you think of Marybeth and Rand Elliott? Is the image they present sincere? What do you think they believe about Amy?

12. How does the book deal with the divide between perception and reality, or between public image and private lives? Which characters are most skillful at navigating this divide, and how?

13. How does the book capture the feel of the recession—the ending of jobs and contraction of whole industries; economic and geographical shifts; real estate losses and abandoned communities. Are some of Nick and Amy’s struggles emblematic of the time period? Are there any parts of the story that feel unique to this time period?

14. While in hiding, Amy begins to explore what the “real” Amy likes and dislikes. Do you think this is a true exploration of her feelings, or is she acting out yet another role? In these passages, what does she mean when she refers to herself as “I” in quotes?

15. What do you think of Amy’s quizzes—and “correct” answers—that appear throughout the book? As a consistent thread between her Amazing Amy childhood and her adult career, what does her quiz-writing style reveal about Amy’s true personality and her understanding of the world?

16. Do Nick and Amy have friends? Consider Nick’s assurance that Noelle was deluded in her claims of friendship with Amy, and also the friends described in Amy’s journal. How “real” are these friendships? What do you think friendship means to each of them?

17. What was the relationship between Amy and Nick’s father? Do you think the reader is meant to imagine conversations between the two of them? Why does Nick’s father come to Nick and Amy’s home?

18. Amy publicly denounces the local police and criticizes their investigation. Do you think they did a good job of investigating her disappearance? Were there real missteps, or was their failing due to Amy’s machinations?

19. Do you believe Amy truly would have committed suicide? Why does she return?

20. Were you satisfied with the book’s ending? What do you think the future holds for Nick, Amy, and their baby boy?